Each week, we offer a roundup of the best literary events in the city. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted. Want to submit an upcoming event for consideration? Go here.
William J. Broad (The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards)
Saturday, March 31, 1 pm, at Book Passage Corte Madera (51 Tamal Vista Blvd.)
Even those who don't practice yoga can often think of it as a cure-all, a form of gentle exercise that helps even those suffering from major injuries. But yoga is also capable of harming and even killing its practitioners, as Broad discussed in a controversial recent New York Times article. His book examines the pleasures and the dangers of yoga, attempting to bring a scientific perspective to a burgeoning global industry. (And yes, tantric sex is part of the research.)
Cheryl Strayed (Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Coast Trail)
Monday, April 2, 7 pm, at Books Inc. Berkeley (1760 4th St.)
Tuesday, April 3, 6 pm, at Book Passage SF (1 Ferry Building)
Last month, novelist Strayed (pictured above) announced that she was the woman behind Dear Sugar, the popular and inspiring advice column of The Rumpus. Her latest book examines some of the personal challenges she's discussed in her Sugar columns, most notably the death of her mother. With her family scattered and her marriage on the rocks, Strayed impulsively decided to hike the 1,100-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from the Mojave Desert to Washington state. Along the way, she faced down bears, rattlesnakes, hunger, and her own personal demons.
Passionate for Poetry
Monday, April 2, 7:30 pm, at the Booksmith (1644 Haight St.)
April is National Poetry Month, and there's no better way to celebrate the form than by hearing it read aloud. The Booksmith is welcoming the community into their shop to read any favorite poem to the group, which should make for some diverse and interesting listening. Guest host Pireeni Sundaralingam (Indivisible: An Anthology of Contemporary South Asian American Poetry) will moderate.
Chaos & Catastrophe: The Worst Days of Our Lives
Wednesday, March 28, 7:30 pm, at Intersection for the Arts (925 Mission St.)
The humorous storytellers of LitUp Writers are hosting another reading showcase, featuring stories of disastrous days in their lives. Terrible corporate jobs, broken engagements, and unpleasant hook-ups will all be discussed. As an added bonus, musician David Berkeley (Some Kind of Cure) will join the group to read and play a few songs. Entry is $5 at the door.
